History Extra podcast Women's bodies: an unreliable history
Jan 20, 2025
Helen King, a Professor Emerita of Classical Studies, dives deep into the complex history of women's bodies. She explores captivating themes like the dual identity of breasts—nourishment versus sexuality—and the societal pressures surrounding breastfeeding and virginity. King highlights how misconceptions about anatomy, such as the duality of the womb, shaped female identity and roles. The conversation addresses the absurdities of legal views on virginity and advocates for a broader understanding of femininity beyond physical appearance.
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Changing Perceptions of Women's Bodies
- Women's bodies have been viewed differently throughout history, impacting their societal roles.
- This history is complex and reveals how cultural perceptions shape our understanding of female anatomy.
Pandora's Jar and the Womb
- The Pandora myth, where Pandora's jar releases evils, links to ancient Greek views of the womb as a jar.
- This evolved into "Pandora's box," reflecting the womb's perceived role in containing or releasing negativity.
The Finite Blood Theory
- The 19th-century belief that women had finite blood, used for both menstruation and brain function, limited their opportunities.
- Educating women was thought to divert blood from reproduction, highlighting how biological beliefs shaped social norms.
